Rumour Mill: Singing '˜Billy Boys' better than fighting - Rangers chief | Aucho '˜wanted by Rangers' | Old Firm eye Bournemouth ace

Rangers chief says Gers fans singing sectarian song preferable to fighting on pitch; Khalid Aucho claims Rangers want to sign him and both Celtic and Rangers linked with Bournemouth star
Rnagers fans celebrate Kenny Miller's equaliser at Hampden. Picture: SNS GroupRnagers fans celebrate Kenny Miller's equaliser at Hampden. Picture: SNS Group
Rnagers fans celebrate Kenny Miller's equaliser at Hampden. Picture: SNS Group

‘Billy Boys’ better than pitch invasion - Rangers chief

RANGERS managing director Stewart Robertson has claimed that Rangers fans singing the ‘Billy Boys’ was preferable to Hibs fans invading the Hampden pitch.

While condeming the Rangers fans who sang the banned tune, Robertson said: “If I recall correctly, the Billy Boys was sung after the Hibs fans came on to the pitch.

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“We don’t condone that kind of behaviour. However, if I had a choice between the fans singing a song or piling over the wall into a pitched battle with the Hibs fans, I know what I would choose. That doesn’t make it right, but you have to put it into context.” (The Scotsman)

Benteke ‘not joining Celtic’

LIVERPOOL striker Christian Benteke won’t be teaming up with his former boss Brendan Rodgers at Celtic, according to ESPN pundit Steve Nicol.

The £25m-rated Belgian forward has been linked with a move to West Ham after an up-and-down season at Anfield, but Nicol believes the 25-year-old won’t seek to team up with Rodgers again.

“I think you can take it to the bank that Benteke will not be joining Mr Rodgers at Celtic - but I do think he will leave Liverpool and has to leave Liverpool,” Nicol added. (ESPN)

Rangers want me, claims Ugandan ace

UGANDAN international Khalid Aucho has claimed Rangers are interested in signing him and that talks are under way over a potential move to Scotland.

The 22-year-old defensive midfielder said: “It is true Glasgow Rangers have approached me, they are interested in my services and as a matter of fact I want to join them.”

Aucho, who plays with Gor Mahia in Kenya, added: “Everything is on the initial stage but I hope it goes through.” (GOAL)

Rangers target to decide future after internationals

RANGERS target Brad Inman has insisted he will make a decision on his future after the international break.

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The Australian midfielder, who is also wanted by Nottingham Forest, MK Dons, Bolton and Bristol City, looks set to leave Crewe Alexandra.

He said: “I’ve been offered a new deal (by Crewe), but after this international break I’m going to sit down with my agent and family and discuss what’s best for me moving forward.” (Various)

Old Firm linked with Bournemouth ace

BOTH Celtic and Rangers have been linked with Bournemouth midfielder Eunan O’Kane, with the Cherries believed to be open to offers for the former Everton youngster.

Aston Villa are also keeping tabs on the Irishman’s situation, with O’Kane expected to leave Dean Court after failing to hold down a regular starting berth.

Derry-born O’Kane, who has also had spells with Torquay and Coleraine, featured for Northern Ireland at Under-16, Under-17, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level before switching allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.(Various)

Rotherham eye Stubbs

ROTHERHAM are set to ask Hibs for permission to talk to Alan Stubbs about their vacant managerial position.

The Millers have also shortlisted former Easter Road boss Tony Mowbray as they seek a successor to Neil Warnock, who savedd them from relegation.

Fulham coach Stuart Gray is also a candidate. (Daily Record)

Rangers keen on Ball return

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RANGERSare set to hold talks with Tottenham over Dominic Ball, and would be willing to take the versatile 20-year-old on a loan or permanent basis, according to reports.

The Spurs youngster had a successful loan spell with Rangers as they stormed to the Championship title, and Mark Warburton is believed to be keen on re-signing the Englishman.

Warburton has already sealed deals for Jordan Rossiter, Joey Barton, Matt Crooks and Josh Windass and is hopeful of tying up Ben Pringle on a contract as well. (Daily Express)

Celtic face fight for Graham

CELTIC face a fight to land Sunderland striker Danny Graham, with rivals Rangers also keeping tabs on the 30-year-old hitman.

Mark Warburton is known to be seeking a striker to add to his ranks, and has allowed Nicky Clark to leave Ibrox.

Although Graham struggled at the Stadium of Light, netting just once in 42 appearances, he rediscovered his scoring touch during loan spells in the Championship with Blackburn and could be keen on re-igniting his career north of the Border.

Whether or not his time working under Rodgers at Watford and Swansea will have a bearing on his decision remains to be seen. (Various)

Lennon in frame for Anderlecht job

NEIL Lennon has been linked with the Anderlecht job, after Besnik Hasi was given his marching orders.

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Anderlecht lost out on the Jupiler Pro League title to Club Brugge a fortnight ago, and the Brussels outfit are believed to be keen on a shake-up at the top.

Ex-Denmark boss Morton Olsen and former England manager Steve McClaren are also candidates for the post, and Lennon revealed earlier this week that he had an offer from abroad.

Lennon admitted he had gone for the Celtic job but had ultimately lost out to Brendan Rodgers. (Various)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Inverness CT are keen on Maurice Malpas as their new assistant coach, with Richie Foran likely to be named as John Hughes’ successor

• Tommy Wright has confirmed he will look to send out St Johnstone’s youngsters on loan again this season as he believes the temporary deals benefit his players

• Efe Ambrose will wait until after this summer’s Olympics before deciding on his future. Turkish outfit Fenerbahce are believed to be interested in the Nigerian stopper